Media Training on Anti-discrimination and LGBTI Issues

Society Without Violence NGO (SWV), within the context of the “Solidarity Network for LGTBI in Armenia and Georgia” EU-funded project, conducted two two-day trainings named: “Capacity Building Training on Anti-discrimination and SOGI Issues for Journalists”.

SWV conducted the two capacity building trainings in Aghveran; the first training was conducted in November 2016, while the second during February. The SWV team prepared a training module, using a participatory learning methodology to stress and put value on the experience of the journalists participating in the training. The module also provided a safe space for mutual learning. The topics covered during the training included: sex, gender, sexual orientation; stereotypes, stigma, and discrimination; human rights and hate speech; current media coverage of LGBTI issues and how to change it. The training was conducted to increase the capacity of the journalists to deliver better quality articles/programs on LGBTI issues, reduce the use of the offensive language and violation of LGBTI rights in Armenian mass media, and inform them about hate speech and its consequences.

In total, 20 journalists and bloggers participated in the trainings. The participants came from diverse backgrounds, and represented different media organizations from different regions of Armenia. While some participants were more informed about LGBTI issues than others, or had experience covering these issues in an appropriate manner, the topic was somewhat new to others. Some of the participating journalists were more ready to accept new ideas and concepts than others. One of the most important aspects of the training was the introduction of correct terminologies related to LGBTI issues to the participants; the terminologies are what they should use for a correct and a non-offensive coverage of LGBTI issues. The participants contributed to the productivity of the training, by sharing their own personal experiences, views and opinions about the topic.

The 3 SWV trainers conducted pre- and post-training survey to monitor the effectiveness of the training, and mark any positive changes in the attitude and knowledge of the journalists.